Public Enemy Number One

by ·
May 6, 2009

Game 3 boasted a Canucks team that we hadn’t seen since the St. Louis series. They were defensively responsible while playing offensive hockey. But just because it was better than games 1 and 2, isn’t reason to go crazy just yet.

Public enemy number one right now is Dustin Byfuglien and that’s no secret. He’s their secret weapon at the moment and about the only part of that team’s game that’s clicking (other than game 2 the ‘Hawks have looked awkward and out of place). He’s placing himself in front of Luongo and having his way in the crease. The Canucks absolutely cannot allow that. On replays of the first and only Chicago goal Byfuglien was given liberties. Edler stood there like he was afraid of Byfuglien, the screen ensued, and the rest is history.

Windy City Canuck commented on an earlier post saying, “I was at the game last night and I don’t know if this was ever caught on TV but every single timeout, Byfuglien would jump off the bench and skate up to Luongo as Luongo was going to the Canuck bench and start yelling at him. It was comical.”

The Blackhawks know, as do all other teams, that Luongo is the key to the Canucks. That’s why the Blues tried snow showering him all series, heck even the Blackhawks are trying that. The bad news is that Byfuglien is finally getting to Luongo. After several whistles Luongo was in B-Fug’s face showing for the first time all playoffs that people can get through to him. Edler, Mitchell, whoever’s on crease patrol, has to assert their presence. We all saw Bieksa hulk slash Backes stick out of his hands towards the end of one game when Backes was near the crease. Where’d that go? What are they afraid of Byfuglien?

The Canucks defence have to do everything they can to prevent the Blackhawks from harshing Luongo’s mellow. When Luongo is on his game we’ve seen the miracles he can perform. The Blackhawks have been taking liberties with the Canucks, it’s time to return the favour. Byfuglien should not have an all access pass to the crease, and incase Pyatt, Sundin, Bieksa, or any of the other big boys that park themselves in front of the net forgot, we can mess with Khabibulin too. Time to fight fire with fire.

Not sure if you watched the post-game on CBC last night, but from what Luongo said, it’s looking like he’s enjoying the match-up against Byfuglien.

Luongo said he skated over to talk to Byfuglien at the end of the game, and he was nowhere to be found. He also took the blame for the goal, saying he could have had it if he played it properly.

None of this bodes well for Chicago. Waking up Luongo, challenging him and putting him on the top of his game could mean an earlier-than-expected exit from the playoffs. Luongo hasn’t stolen a game in this series. I think he’s do. Could Game 4 be the game?

Not sure if you watched the post-game on CBC last night, but from what Luongo said, it’s looking like he’s enjoying the match-up against Byfuglien.

Luongo said he skated over to talk to Byfuglien at the end of the game, and he was nowhere to be found. He also took the blame for the goal, saying he could have had it if he played it properly.

None of this bodes well for Chicago. Waking up Luongo, challenging him and putting him on the top of his game could mean an earlier-than-expected exit from the playoffs. Luongo hasn’t stolen a game in this series. I think he’s do. Could Game 4 be the game?

ABOUT CANUCKS HOCKEY BLOG

Canucks Hockey Blog is a blog containing podcasts, opinions and commentary on the Vancouver Canucks and the NHL.
First established by J.J. Guerrero in 2005, CHB features regular contributions from Christopher Golden, Matt Lee, Clay Imoo, Elizabeth Moffat, Jocelyn Aspa, Victoria Pattison-Denault and various other contributors.